Go to Cuba — briefly — at MCPAS ‘Mimosas in May’

Published
11:00 pm CDT, Saturday, May 14, 2016

Montgomery County Performing Arts Society president BJ Ordner, former president, Shirley Pruitt, and 2014 president Mary Smith smile during Mimosas in May in 2014, a fundraising event put on by the MCPAS, at the Walden Yacht Club in Montgomery. This year’s even is set for May 20. less

Montgomery County Performing Arts Society president BJ Ordner, former president, Shirley Pruitt, and 2014 president Mary Smith smile during Mimosas in May in 2014, a fundraising event put on by the MCPAS, at ... more

Photo: Staff Photo By Ana Ramirez

Photo: Staff Photo By Ana Ramirez

Image
1of/1

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 1

Montgomery County Performing Arts Society president BJ Ordner, former president, Shirley Pruitt, and 2014 president Mary Smith smile during Mimosas in May in 2014, a fundraising event put on by the MCPAS, at the Walden Yacht Club in Montgomery. This year’s even is set for May 20. less

Montgomery County Performing Arts Society president BJ Ordner, former president, Shirley Pruitt, and 2014 president Mary Smith smile during Mimosas in May in 2014, a fundraising event put on by the MCPAS, at ... more

Photo: Staff Photo By Ana Ramirez

Go to Cuba — briefly — at MCPAS ‘Mimosas in May’

1 / 1

Back to Gallery

Members of the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society will bedeck Walden Yacht Club with some Cuban influences for its annual Mimosas in May in Cuba fashion luncheon Friday.

“Spring and summer styles this year are from Scruples, Diva’s, and Cha Cha’s Boutiques,” according to B J Ordner, MCPAS president. Co-chairladies are faithful MCPAS patrons Garlaine Kelly and Sandy Riney.

Kelly is a heavily involved past president, while Riney is recognized for the many lavish fundraising events that she and Dwain Riney host in their Teaswood home on behalf of local arts entities.

A previous announcement that identified Victor Suarez as the afternoon entertainer was withdrawn when a scheduling conflict arose. As of column deadline no replacement had been announced, although Ordner assured that attendees can expect a performance no less outstanding than in the past.

Bright colors will bedazzle the luncheon crowd as it enters the yacht club. Ladies will see splashes of orange, lime green and pink, with purple napkins. Abundant cigar boxes might bring uneasy glances, but apprehensions vanish with assurances that no Castro is on premises.

Exquisite tropical centerpieces of fresh flowers that Gilmore’s Florist contributed add even more to the indoor sunshine. Those who want to take home a memento of the day may purchase these table centerpieces for $20 each.

Appealing auction items are being amassed. For Lyn Howard’s live auction these include a Mary Frances handbag that is beaded and guitar shaped, a dinner for 10 created from a former chef at downtown Conroe’s Red Brick Tavern, to be served in the Riney home; and silent auction treasures that include one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from Janalee Designs, snazzy accessories like silk scarf vests, and some culinary gifts from Truly Texas. Volunteers daily are accumulating other desirables.

Some attendees regard this as an occasion to don their loveliest outfits complete with hats befitting the Kentucky Derby and schmooze with their bestest friends. Others, like me, just go for a rollicking good time. So pick your own priorities, and experience a carefree interlude in one of Lake Conroe’s most elegant settings.

Mimosas in May is Friday, May 20, at Walden Yacht Club. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. The event includes a namesake beverage, social period and shopping, Chinese auction, a Cuban feast from Walden’s Chef Rick Adams, style show with local models, and fabulous entertainment. It’s all included, for $50, or $75 if you choose premier seating that adjoins the runway.

Names of models that Ordner supplied so far are Derry and Fran Copland; Suzanne Ray; next season’s vice present of financial development Deanie Harmon; Gayle Laminack; Sandy Riney, and more to come. All profits benefit MCPAS’ upcoming season of performances.

If you’d like to have a piece of Shrek — or his costume — or a prop that Jeff Baldwin (the selfsame actor) wielded in “The Producers”; or, say, maybe, an umbrella from “Singin’ in the Rain,” Stage Right is offering that opportunity with its first annual rummage sale Saturday, May 21.

Not only can you go wild with ideas for Halloweens to come for your own little princesses and heroes, but Stage Right is furnishing a kids’ craft project to fascinate the little ones while you shop.

In additions to items already mentioned, Stage Right is giving you the opportunity to purchase your own Panzer tank that was used in “The Producers.” There’re two if the price is right, and most all are.

You’ll find Lego blocks, playing cards, skate boards, furniture and accessories; each possessing a special association with one of Stage Right’s productions over the years of its existence.

You also can buy logo shirts like cast and crew wear while working on shows, and beaucoup items that SR just doesn’t have space to store.

But not to worry — it’s not the end of a saga. Far from. The sale is part of an ongoing fundraiser for Stage Right’s facility recently acquired at 119 North San Jacinto near downtown Conroe. And no, SR is not exiting the Crighton.

The new property will be for rehearsals, scenic design, storage and all around usage that includes program expansion.

One purpose of the offsite property is to lessen the impact of SR rehearsal schedules, making the Crighton Theatre more accessible for rental, according to Carolyn Wong, a driving force behind SR’s success.

Saturday’s sale is at 119 North San Jacinto from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. In addition to a festival atmosphere, live performances and music are in the offing, along with some availability of food and beverages.

Come see, come buy. Or not. Either way, you’ll have a good time.

Peggie Miller may be reached with people and performing arts news at pegmiller01@juno.com or call her at 936-448-6455.